One of Our Conquerors - World eBook Library

One of Our Conquerors
a leader of men. The halo of the millionaire behind, assures
us of a development in the character of England’s merchant
princes. The homage we pay him flatters us. A delightful
overture, masterfully executed; ended too soon; except that
the programme forbids the ordinary interpretation of prolonged
applause. Mr. Radnor is one of those who do everything
consummately. And we have a monition within, that a
course of spiritual enjoyment will rouse the call for bodily
refreshment. His genial nod and laugh and word of commendation
to his troop persuade us oddly, we know not how,
of provision to come. At the door of the retiring-room, see,
he is congratulated by Luciani and Durandarte. Miss Priscilla
Graves is now to sing a Schumann. Down later, it is a duet
with the Rev. Septimus Barmby. We have nothing to be
ashamed of in her, before an Italian Operatic singer! Ices
after the first part is over.
CHAPTER XXI
DARTREY FENELLAN
HAD NATALY AND NESTA known who was outside helping
Skepsey to play ball with the boys, they would not have
worked through their share of the performance with so graceful
a composure. Even Simeon Fenellan was unaware that
his half-brother Dartrey had landed in England. Dartrey went
first to Victor’s office, where he found Skepsey packing the
day’s letters and circulars into the bag for the delivery of them
at Lakelands. They sprang a chatter, and they missed the last
of the express trains which did, not greatly signify, Skepsey
said, ‘as it was a Concert.’ To hear his hero talk, was the
music for him; and he richly enjoyed the pacing along the
railway-platform.
Arrived on the grounds, they took opposite sides in a game
of rounders, at that moment tossing heads or tails for innings.
These boys were slovenly players, and were made unhappy
by Skepsey’s fussy instructions to them in smartness.
They had a stupid way of feeding the stick, and they ran
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